After a near-strike and last-minute aversion, Queen’s and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have successfully ratified new Collective Agreements.
A tentative agreement to renew the agreements was reached the morning of Feb. 3, pending ratification. With the process now complete, the renewed agreements will be in effect from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, according to the Queen’s Gazette as of Feb.20. The locals include CUPE Local 229, tradespeople, maintenance workers, caretakers and custodians, Local 1302, library technicians, and Local 254, lab technicians.
Negotiations began in October and November of last year, focusing on better working conditions and fair wages. In addition to the CUPE agreements, the University also announced that Aramark, the company managing food services on campus, successfully renewed its collective agreements with CUPE Local 229.
READ MORE: Strike averted as University and CUPE Locals reach tentative agreement
Key provisions of the agreements include across-the-board salary increases of 2.75 to three per cent in the first year, followed by two to 2.25 per cent increases in the second and third years. The agreements also introduce market adjustments, where necessary, to ensure fair compensation for employees. Additionally, there are enhancements to the University’s Tuition Assistance Program and commitments to process improvements benefiting both employees and Queen’s.
The University acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved in the bargaining process and emphasized its commitment to ing CUPE and their contributions to the Queen’s community. Human Resources will provide information sessions for supervisors and s to review details of the agreements in the coming weeks.
CUPE Presidents were unable to speak with The Journal ahead of publication.
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